One Eagles roster spot and the five tight ends fighting to claim it

USA Today

22-07-2025

Only three will survive a seven-man race for three Eagles roster spots.
This is what it's all about. There's that thin line that separates competition and teamwork. 90 guys share the Philadelphia Eagles' locker room. Only 68 will remain on the active roster and practice squad after the final preseason game.
Laekin Vakalahi will, more than likely, again be carried on Philadelphia's scout team. His entry to the league through the NFL's International Players Pathway Program means he won't count against the Eagles' allowable 16 practice squad players.
The tight end position currently has seven players on the roster. Historically, Philadelphia typically keeps three tight ends on the active roster, but there have been instances in the past when they chose to keep even fewer. This brings us to the players who will participate in training camp.
Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra feel like shoo-ins to make the Eagles roster
It seems unlikely that Dallas Goedert will remain with the Eagles past next March, given how the two sides were so close to parting ways this past offseason. As you know, he has returned.
It's often hard to make guarantees about roster spots, especially at this time of year, but most of us have resigned ourselves to an idea. Goedert is making the Eagles roster as a starter, and Grant Calcaterra is making the squad as his backup. That leaves the door open for one more guy. There's just one issue. Five guys want that one spot.
Five Eagles fighting for one position on the roster
As mentioned earlier, we've seen Philadelphia announce its initial 53-man roster with only two tight ends present. They could make a similar decision this year. There are no guarantees that they will like any of these guys, but if they can find one, he'll have to beat out four other prospects.
Kylen Granson was a two-year starter at the tight end position in college, but he also has some experience playing wide receiver at the NCAA level. A fourth-round selection, this 27-year-old has the tools to be a decent third option.
This is Harrison Bryant's third team since entering the NFL in 2020. Also a fourth-rounder and also 27 years old, he was a member of the 2020 Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team.
E.J. Jenkins is one of the most familiar faces on this list. He had some nice showings during preseason games last August. His only reception last season was a big one. It went for a TD. Can his familiarity give him a leg up on the competition?
Nick Muse is the big-bodied target the Eagles are seemingly searching for every few months. He stands at six-foot-five and tips the scales at 252 pounds. He, like Jenkins, is the owner of one career catch, but Muse hasn't hauled in a reception since 2023.
Cameron Latu is another of the new guys. He should fit in well, as there are other former Alabama Crimson Tide standouts on the Eagles' roster. He's a College Football Playoff National Champion. He signed a future/reserve deal in January, but he has a tough hill to climb if he is going to catapult himself onto their roster.
Prediction (This may change in a few days): We'll throw a curveball here. Philadelphia keeps two tight ends on the initial 53-man roster. They try to sneak one, possibly Jenkins, through waivers and sign him to the practice squad.